5 October served as a historical day for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) as they uncovered one of the biggest corruption cases in Malaysian history involving two civil servants in Sabah

Azam (second from left) and other MACC officers with the seized items at the MACC office in Kota Kinabalu.

At a press conference in Kota Kinabalu yesterday, 5 October, MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (operations) Azam Baki said that the the department made the seizure after they arrested two senior civil servants from the Sabah Water Department – a director and a deputy director of a government agency.

“An MACC investigation led to the seizure of RM75 million from the offices, houses and bank accounts of the suspects (director and deputy director) and their families,” said Azam, as reported by Free Malaysia Today, yesterday, 5 October.

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The 54-year-old director and 51-year-old deputy director were arrested under suspicion of having monopolised projects under the purview of their department and given them to their relatives.

Azam said both officers had handled infrastructure construction projects valued at more than RM3.3 billion since 2010.

“In the 49 years since the commission was set up, we have never seen this amount of money. The thought that this involves government servants is very bad,” said MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Azam Baki.

According to a report by The Malay Mail Online yesterday, 5 October, members of the media were seen to be shocked to see the large amounts of the seized items at the MACC office in Kota Kinabalu. says.com

Here are some of the biggest revelations from this multi-million ringgit graft case:

1. The MACC has seized RM114.5 million so far. That amount does not include the five safety boxes that will be opened today.

3. Other items that were seized include expensive watches, jewellery, and 94 luxurious, high-end handbags

The Malay Mail Online reported on 5 October that some of the jewellery, including rings encrusted with precious stones, were still encased in velvet boxes.

Some of the brands of handbags that were found are Gucci, Chanel, Burberry, Christian Dior, Bally, Fendi, Louis Vuitton and Hermes. It is believed that these were gifted to the wives of the senior officials.

As for the luxury watches, Patek Philippe, Tag Heuer, Rolex, Cartier and Guess were just some of the brands that were seized.

The authorities are currently checking the authenticity of the branded goods and jewellery to determine the value of the items.

“The state government would also study the system and procedures on the tendering and awarding of projects in all departments to identify weaknesses or loopholes that provide opportunities for corruption and abuse of power,” he said in a statement here today.

Musa also reminded those in the civil service to continue upholding integrity in their respective offices when discharging their duties and responsibilities.